We have examined how many and which potential complications (PCs) are recorded on the consent form by a group of consultant surgeons performing common spinal procedures - anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior lumbar discectomy and/or medial facetectomy (PLD). Email survey Consultant spinal surgeons performing ACDF and/or PLD practicing in Southwest England Identification of the PCs each surgeon listed on the consent form for the specified procedures. There were 23 responses from 28 Consultant surgeons approached. 21 surgeons performed both ACDF and PLD, 2 performed only PLD. Surgeons quoted 5 to 17 (mode 10) PCs for ACDF and 4 to 15 (mode 13) for PLD. These did not necessarily represent the most common or most dangerous PCs recorded in the literature1,2. Small difference in PCs mentioned by Neurosurgeons and Orthopaedic surgeons was seen (ACDF mode: 12vs10, PLD mode: 12vs13). There was a strong correlation between the number of PCs recorded by surgeons for ACDF and PLD. We have found a wide variation in consenting practice amongst a group of surgeons performing common spinal operations. Issues of consent are common causes of formal complaints and potential litigation, causing anxiety for both patient and surgeon. A more homogenous consent process, employing objective measures where possible, may help reduce this burden and may be achieved by setting a national standard.
